Question

In linear regression, if we have independent variable “drug dosage” along the x -axis and the dependent variable “hours of sleep” along the y-axis, then interpret regression lines with a steep negative slope, a flat horizontal line through the data, and a steep positive slope in terms of how the independent variable affects the dependent variable

Answer 1

when the slope is negative

In this case, the dependent variable will decrease for 1 unit change in the independent variable by the slope value. this means that if the slope value is -2, then for every unit change in the independent variable, the dependent variable decreases by 2 units.

when the slope is a flat horizontal line or flat

In this case, the dependent variable will not affect the independent variable because the slope value is 0 in case of flat or horizontal line

when the slope is positive

In this case, the dependent variable will increase for 1 unit change in the independent variable by the slope value. this means that if the slope value is 2, then for every unit change in the independent variable, the dependent variable increases by 2 units.